5 signs your ATM has been tampered with
It’s the stuff of every card owner’s nightmares, but the grim reality is millions of dollars are skimmed from ATMs by fraudsters around the world every year.
Here are five signs the ATM you’re using has been tampered with.
1. ATM has a “false front”
While more prevalent overseas, criminals are becoming increasingly adept and placing card or cash capture devices on ATMs, sometimes even installing “false fronts” onto existing machines. Look for obvious signs like shoddy workmanship.
2. The card insert slot is unusually bulky
Sometimes this suggests the presence of a skimmer, which is a device that can be attached to an ATM to secretly swipe card details while you’re making a withdrawal. Misaligned, misprinted stickers and inconsistent logos are generally an indicator.
3. Loose or blocked card slot
Take a quick look at the card slot before you put your card in. If it’s loose or somewhat blocked there may be a tiny device or sleeve with a barb that catches your ATM in the machine, but prevents the machine from reading your card. You think it’s been swallowed, leave and in the intervening moment’s fraudsters come and take it.
4. The PIN pad feels thick, loose or sponge-like
If the PIN pad feels thick, loose or sponge-like it might be a fake. This method of catching people’s information is known as ‘pin-pad overlay’, where the true PIN pad is covered by a counterfeit that captures your details for criminals to use.
5. A lot of people are lurking around
This one seems simple enough but it’s always important to be mindful of your environment surround the ATM. Even well-meaning strangers offering help may be in cahoots with other fraudsters looking to access your card details.
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